Europe is home to some of the most enchanting Christmas
markets, offering stunning settings, festive cheer, delectable seasonal treats
and impressive handcrafted works.
Though destinations such as Vienna, Austria, Strasbourg,
France and Nuremberg, Germany are the most popular and rank at the top of the
world’s best markets, a new study by easyJet Christmas Market Index has
uncovered some of the best Christmas markets in
Europe that travelers might not know about.
Considerations such as accessibility from UK airports,
winter ambience, the cost of mulled wine and traditional sausage, likelihood of
December snowfall and live
entertainment availability factored into the ranking. The list also shines a spotlight on
lesser-known markets where festive cheer comes without the crowds or expensive
price tags.
1. Acosta, Italy/Marché Vert Noël tops the list,
easily reachable in just an hour from Turin. The destination boasts Roman
gates, medieval towers and Alpine chalets as a backdrop to its annual festive
fair with mulled wine costing under £3 a cup.
2. Innsbruck, Austria/Old Town comes in at second
place thanks to its cinematic setting and wide-range of entertainment which
includes dulcet tones of carols played by brass bands and festive stalls
situated between baroque landmarks, creating on of Europe’s most charming
winter atmospheres.
3. Lübeck, Germany / Hanseatic Markets ranks third,
accessible from the Hamburg airport. The UNESCO-listed old town offers regional
foods and drinks like marzipan punch highly recommended by experts and live
entertainment by choirs.
4. Salzburg, Austria – Christkindlmarkt where guests
will find choirs and classical concerts.
5. Grenoble, France / Place Victor Hugo Market features alpine events in a refreshingly untouristy atmosphere with
down-to-earth prices.
6. Naples, Italy/ Pietrarsa National Railway Museum offers music concerts and gospel choirs along with a distinctly Italian twist
on the season with sparkling street markets and impressive artisan nativity
scenes.
7. Ljubljana, Slovenia / Festive December boasts
reasonably priced mulled wine, local Kranjska sausages and carriages pulled by
real Lipizzaner horses.
8. Toulouse, France / Capitole Christmas Market features music and children’s programs.
9. Verona, Italy / Piazza Bra offers a number of exhibitions
and a chance to visit Santa’s post office while blending Italian flair with
rustic Alpine traditions.
10. Basel, Switzerland / Barfüsserplatz is the
perfect spot for those wanting a dose of Swiss festive treats and sounds of choir
voices echoing through the old town.
Kevin Doyle, easyJet’s UK Country Manager said in a
statement, “Our Christmas Market Index shows that some of Europe’s most magical
festive experiences aren’t necessarily the most famous ones. From Aosta’s
snow-covered square to the riverside glow of Ljubljana, these markets prove you
don’t have to spend a fortune or battle big-city crowds to feel the true spirit
of Christmas.”
He added, “With direct easyJet flights and package holidays
reaching all ten destinations, it’s never been easier for travellers to swap
the high street for a holiday full of sparkle, culture and a steaming cup of
mulled wine.”
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